Semua Bab THE WIFE HE NEVER HAD, NOW HE REGRETS IT: Bab 21 - Bab 30

ScarlettAfter hearing the news about Adrian's father, I wanted to reach out to him, but we weren't close enough to worry about each other's personal lives, so I let it slide.Later that evening, I watched reporters gather near the entrance of Grand Celestine Hotel while luxury vehicles rolled down the driveway one after the other, dropping off guests wrapped in designer gowns and tailored suits fit for the Gance family banquet.I had never attended any of these events before I died. Back then, I had no interest in my father's world or wealth. I had avoided things like corporate banquets and high society dinners because I believed none of them mattered more than Ethan, and that naive stupidity had killed me.Because of that, I had arrived tonight at the annual banquet like an outsider, completely unaware that the event was no longer held at my father's private estate but rather at one of his hotels, and judging from the endless line of guests entering the building, I could tell this y

ScarlettThe ballroom fell into a heavy silence, but it only lasted for a second.“Is she insane? That's Adrian Hartley's seat.”“What happens when he shows up tonight?”Their worries fell on deaf ears because I knew for a fact that Adrian wasn't going to arrive at this banquet.Across the table, Clarissa glared at me. “Scarlett, I think you've mistaken someone's seat for yours.”I calmly adjusted the napkin across my lap, gazing innocently at her. “Really? That's strange because I couldn't seem to find the reserved seat for the Alistair Gance daughter.”She chuckled nervously. “There must have been some confusion. I will inform one of the staff members to prepare additional seating.”The only confusion here was that Clarissa thought I would quietly embrace her humiliation in public without fighting back.I leaned back against the chair, completely unbothered. “Well, until they resolve it, this seat will do.”Clarissa's jaw muscle twitched. “Scarlett, don't embarrass yourself further.

ScarlettThe moment I heard Ethan's voice outside the car, something vicious settled in my chest. How desperate had he become to throw himself in front of moving vehicles outside a banquet hall?Then again, this was Ethan. A man who spent his entire life feeding off other people's work and efforts while calling it his.Outside the tinted window, Ethan looked nothing like the polished CEO who once graced the cover of magazines. His expensive suit was wrinkled, and a loose tie hung around his neck.If I didn't know him, I would have mistaken him for a drunk stumbling outside a casino after losing everything.“Please! I just need five minutes with the investor!“ He shouted again.Mr. Hale shut the door firmly before approaching him. “You nearly caused an accident. Move away from the vehicle immediately. If you want to meet with the investor, schedule an appointment like everyone else.”“I'm not here to cause trouble,” he defended quickly, breathing heavily. “I heard LG group plans to exp

ScarlettAdrian's expression didn't change as he said those words. To him, this marriage probably didn't make any difference, but it still kept me on edge whenever it crossed my mind.“About the wedding, I want something small and private with a few guests,” I voiced outside the registry's office as I waited for Adrian to reject my request.One thing I knew for certain was that his father's death had thrown Hartley Global into chaos, but I couldn't risk leaving Ethan's side just yet until I was sure the drugs—although manufactured—couldn't be exploited for the wrong use again.What Adrian needed right now was a lavish wedding to strengthen his image to the public, so a public wedding was the perfect solution to this problem.Instead of opposing, he agreed with my terms.“Alright.”I blinked once. That answer came way too easily. “Are you sure you're okay with it?”His brow lifted. “Why wouldn't I be? I do not like unnecessary public attention. You must have your reasons for wanting a

ScarlettNathan hung up shortly after his threat. Poor thing. He still believed words like that could move me. I had died once. Nothing frightened me more than that.And honestly? Dying has been the best thing that ever happened to me. Highly recommend.A faint smile touched my lips. It was amusing how Nathan thought he was the hunter and I was a helpless prey. He didn't realize it was the other way around.If Nathan intended to keep himself busy planning my downfall, then it only seemed fair I returned the same energy.I sent out a short message to Mr. Hale requesting the company's quarterly financial expenditure reports. Nathan was a chip off the old block from his greedy mother, Clarissa. If she had been quietly draining money from my father's company, there was no possibility that the pathetic son of hers hadn't inherited the habit as well.My phone buzzed barely two minutes later. The finance department had already forwarded the files.“That was quicker than I expected,” I murmure